Gemotions

The sun glinted off the polished surface of the stump. Sam, his heart thudding in his chest, approached it slowly. The apple tree, a fixture in his family's yard since his infancy, was gone.

He remembered the promise of apples, the simple joy of climbing its sturdy branches. A wave of regret washed over him, a feeling of injustice.

He felt the sting of tears behind his eyes. He reached out, his fingers tracing the smooth, clean cut. His whole body felt heavy, his spirit dampened. He looked around, suddenly seeing the world differently.